The meeting kicked off with the approval of the minutes from the previous session before delving into the key agenda items. Notably, the completion of repairs at the New Street garage was highlighted, with the successful fixing of elevator joints. This agenda item led to the proposal of implementing electric charging stations across all garages. The estimated cost for outfitting all garages with these stations was stated as $316,000, but potential rebates from the state, PSNG, and the federal government could drastically reduce the cost to $1,410. Members of the board, including Kevin McTernan, Maria Soto, and Andrea Eato-White, expressed interest in pursuing this environmentally-friendly project.

Two resolutions were then extensively discussed. The first pertained to the T2 software to be used at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Garage. This parking system utilizes license plate recognition as a permit for monthly parkers and monitors vehicles entering the garage to ensure payment. The software also automates the validation of parking, which was previously manually done. Detailed explanations of the system’s functionality were given, including the use of pay-by-meter options and ParkMobile for hourly parkers. Some concerns were raised about the system being cloud-based, but the board largely saw the value in this modern approach.

The second resolution involved the T Parks system, which is proposed for the Wellness Garage. This system aims to streamline the validation process for court, juror, and gym validations. The need for this system was underscored by the obsolescence of the current equipment and the inefficiencies it caused. The T2 software and T Parks system were priced at $2,595 and $1,874.40 respectively.

Public comments were then taken, with Charlie Kratovil of New Brunswick Today expressing concern about the requirement for upfront parking payment and the potential issuance of tickets if payment was not made within 15 minutes. The board clarified that the current system already required upfront payment and that the changes would enhance the software and validation process.

The board also tackled operational differences for parking payment at a specific deck due to the steep incline of its ramp, which prevents the installation of a traditional ticket spitter and swipe system. This unique payment system raised questions about its user-friendliness. Further, the relocation of Nokia Bell Labs to the former Fing site prompted discussions about downtown parking availability, with a focus on the Wellness deck’s capacity to accommodate an influx of vehicles.

The meeting also noted the retirement of long-serving board member Anthony Caputo, with discussions about the implications for his position on the board. The meeting schedule for 2024, the continuation of the interim executive director, the 2024 budget adoption, elevator maintenance contracts, software upgrades, and engagements with external consulting services were other topics covered.